Crafting ‘The Comic’

Like many creatives I encountered, who often battled perfectionism and a fear of failure, I found it challenging to bring certain projects to fruition. This is why I cherished the practice of stream-of-consciousness writing—a method that encourages you to silence the analytical mind and let your thoughts flow freely. One evening, after returning home, I decided to revisit the fragments of the stage play that had lingered in my mind since my Theatre Arts days. Thus, I began to write.

The first conscious choice I made before diving into my writing was to create a main character who was a stand-up comedian rather than a physical slapstick performer. This decision set the stage for my creative journey, and I found myself writing relentlessly. What began as a few pages soon transformed into a substantial collection of papers. During my daily commute, whether I was waiting for the metro or the bus, I would carry a neatly folded stack of A4 sheets tucked into my pocket.

While many creatives prefer to outline their stories and adhere to structured templates, I opted for a more organic approach, starting from scratch. Reflecting on my process, I never anticipated that my book would evolve into an 87-page book.

After a few weeks of writing, I felt the need for a break, which unexpectedly extended longer than I had planned. I juggled full-time jobs alongside part-time work, leaving my pages untouched for a while. Then, one weekend night, I revisited my work and felt inspired to type it up. In one continuous flow, I transformed my stack into about 50 pages, printed it out, and made necessary adjustments for continuity. I edited the pages for any continuity errors, or gaps in the story. After printing the revised pages, I shared my work with a few friends who responded with overwhelming support and optimism about its potential success.

Typically, I try to keep my expectations in check to avoid disappointment. However, the more I shared my work, the more promising the feedback became. The irony was that while the main character in my book was a seasoned comedian, I was a novice on stage. After hearing about my book, my colleague encouraged me to go and perform in front of a live audience. I mustered the courage to attend an open mic night, with her by my side for support. I did not prepare anything ahead of time, but I used the 45-minute cab ride to the venue to scribble down some jokes that came to mind. This realization pushed me into a stream-of-consciousness mode, where I began jotting down jokes that came to mind at the moment. I shared my experiences with cultural differences, navigating my early 20s, and living at home with my parents, all sprinkled with a good dose of self-deprecating humor.

Upon arriving at the venue, I encountered an American guy who immediately sensed my nerves. Just before I was set to take the stage, he reassured me, saying, "Don't worry. You're probably going to bomb tonight. But it will get better next time." Exactly what I needed to hear. As it so happened, one of the other comedians before me had made several biting jokes about Indians, unaware that I was an Indian-born Belgian national. We never met, so I was sure he didn’t know me, nor was this more than a coincidence. When it was my turn, I stepped onto the stage with shaky hands, the spotlight glaring down on me. I put aside the jokes I had scribbled, and instead playfully jabbed at the previous comedian, and to my surprise, the audience erupted in laughter, easing my anxiety. I glanced at my cue card and delivered my first joke. About half of my material landed well, a quarter elicited a few chuckles, and the remaining quarter received a few sympathy laughs. Yet, the positive feedback was invigorating. This quickly became a weekly ritual.

Every Wednesday, I had a 5-minute slot. The open-mic comedians aimed to refine those 5 minutes each week, applying a methodical approach to refine their bit. They kept the jokes that garnered the most laughter and revised the ones that fell flat.

When I started doing stand-up comedy, the goal was to discover which jokes from the book would resonate but unfortunately, I couldn't draw from the book's humor due to the stark differences between the main character and myself. While Calvin was a seasoned comedian, I was an unknown performer attending weekly open mics. Calvin's style was characterized by sharp observational and dark humor, while my approach relied on self-deprecating jokes to create a relaxed atmosphere for the audience. Nevertheless, some parallels could be drawn within our joke-writing techniques, particularly in storytelling and punchlines. This realization bolstered my confidence, suggesting that my narrative held the potential for something greater in the future.

After spending a year performing semi-regularly at a stand-up venue, I concluded that I would pursue my stage play script/ book further when the right opportunities or connections presented themselves. Time passed quickly, and by the end of 2014, I relocated to Dubai with my family. In 2015, I enrolled in a university, where I had the chance to study Public Relations and Film Production. My goal was to delve into film production and adapt my book into a visual format like a movie, or a TV series.

As fate would have it, one of my professors was a highly accomplished former film director. We often crossed paths in the university's smoking area, initially engaging in casual conversations about our weekends, the weather, and various film-related topics. Eventually, I shared my stage play/book idea with him, and while he responded with a nonchalant "Hmm... sounds interesting," his body language suggested skepticism. As weeks turned into months, I took it upon myself to self-edit my now 87-page script. During any free moment, I would flip through the pages, searching for continuity and developmental issues. One day, while hastily finishing a cigarette, my lecturer inquired about what I was working on.

After a brief discussion, he expressed interest in doing a read-through, so I handed him my printed copy. Time flew by, especially because it was the busy exam assessment period. A few weeks later, after a holiday break, I unexpectedly ran into my lecturer again.

At that moment, I had completely forgotten about the script, my mind occupied with thoughts of the weekend. He appeared a bit fatigued, but when he spotted me, his expression brightened. I asked about his weekend, and he replied, "It was good... but I didn't get much sleep last night... do you know why?" I was at a loss. With newfound energy, he exclaimed, "I was reading your book until 4 in the morning... I couldn't put it down! It was incredible!" I felt an overwhelming rush of joy as his words sank in.

A remarkable series of events brought me to this moment—serendipity, if you will. My lecturer pointed out some areas in the printed draft that needed attention, particularly in character development. The enthusiasm in his voice echoed what my friends had been saying: there was something extraordinary about this play/book.

With such promise ahead and only a few adjustments needed, I was eager to dive into the editing process and get it published. Yet, for reasons I couldn't quite grasp, every time I sat down to work on it, I found myself unable to focus. Procrastination took hold. The thought of the book's potential felt exhilarating, like riding a massive wave, but the fear of failure loomed large. What if everyone was mistaken, and the book flopped?

Whenever I encountered my lecturer and he inquired about my progress, I would tell him I was making strides—though that was only partially true. Occasionally, I would flip through the pages and make minor edits, but as days turned into weeks, I noticed my lecturer's enthusiasm waning. The spark in his eyes regarding the book's potential dimmed, and eventually, he stopped asking for updates altogether.

In 2016, I began working part-time as a freelancer for various video production companies, and my focus shifted away from the book. I juggled part-time work with a full-time university schedule and then transitioned to a full-time job while still attending classes. Time slipped away quickly. I completed my final semester in 2017 and returned to Belgium in mid-2018.

Upon my return, my first job was in door-to-door sales. Coincidentally, my boss was friends with someone at a publishing house in Amsterdam. When he learned about my play, he suggested that my book would be a suitable fit for their publication.

This conversation felt like the final key to the door was here. It was monumental for me. Just like before, chance may have influenced the publication of this book. Initially filled with excitement, I soon found myself grappling with doubts, leading me to inform my boss of my decision to self-publish instead. Fast forward a year, and I faced a physical injury, followed closely by the onset of lockdown. It felt like entering a new era, a surreal time.

Some days were incredibly tough, and even the simplest tasks became daunting. However, I was resolute in my goal to regain my physical fitness, so I began exercising again, albeit slowly. What started as a few meters left me breathless, but with persistence, I gradually improved. Each day brought renewed strength, and after a period of training and recovery, I vowed not to take my time for granted.

Once I regained my fitness, I pushed through both physical and mental barriers to start job hunting. I secured a position with a fantastic company and embraced a full-time schedule. While I felt fulfilled and immensely grateful to be back on my feet, the thought of my unfinished book lingered in my mind.

After a year and a half at my new job, I revisited the old Word document that had now become somewhat unfamiliar to me. After another attempt at self-editing, I opted to collaborate with a professional freelance editor, choosing a mid-range option that costs around 200 EUR.

On March 7th, 2024, I celebrated the successful self-publication of my book. This was the moment I had long awaited. The concept for this book originated in 2008, and now, it is 2024. After 16 years of contemplation, creativity, procrastination, and missed opportunities, it was finally a reality. A week later, I held a published copy of my book in my hands.

As it turned out though, writing and publishing the book was the easy part. I then began reviewing a list of low to mid-level freelancers. From the design of the front and back covers to promoting the book with several social media marketing freelancers, getting critical reviews, podcast, radio, and TikTok advertisements, getting assistance with query letters, crafting pitches, compiling agent lists, revising the manuscript, hiring two additional editors, and sending it out to over 6000 publishers, I invested a total of around 3000 EUR in this experimental phase. The outcome? Fewer than 10 books sold, resulting in less than 30 EUR in royalties. Essentially, I spent 100 times more than I earned.

While I recognize that the hours dedicated to creating the book, and the money spent on advertising and reaching out to publishers, represent a minor financial setback, the real disappointment stemmed from the unmet expectations and hopes.

So, why didn’t this succeed? This left me with a whirlwind of questions. I needed to pause and reflect on several key points. Why did this venture fail? What led to such high expectations and excitement? What could I have approached differently? What lessons have I taken away from this experience?

Several factors come into play. It’s possible that the quality of the book fell short, that the market was oversaturated, that my strategies lacked direction, or perhaps there may have been shifts in the industry that I failed to notice.

First, let’s consider the book’s quality. While the lack of sales makes it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about the book's quality, the book was sent to 6,000 publishers, and the common response was that it was not quite right for the publishing house or agent. Written in 2010, it reflects a time before the rise of political correctness. The protagonist is brash and uses explicit language, tackling adult themes such as drugs, sex, and the rockstar lifestyle. In 2024, this approach may not resonate with readers. Despite garnering 500,000 impressions on Amazon with KDP ads, briefly ranking as a bestseller among free eBooks, and reaching thousands through a promoted YouTube trailer, it only convinced fewer than 10 individuals to make a purchase. Additionally, humor is subjective; what was amusing in 2010 may not hold the same appeal today.

By process of elimination, let’s explore the other potential issues. What about the timing?

The data from Wordsrated reveals a staggering 264% increase in self-published books over the past five years. If this trend had been consistent over the previous decade, we could be looking at an astonishing 800% rise in self-publishing over the last 16 years. The adult themes of the book were quite novel to 2008, and 2010, and covered issues like substance abuse, polygamy, rise and fall, femme fetal, celebrity culture, overdoses, etc. Heath Ledger was the only big celebrity overdose at the time of the book’s inception (in 2008)– therefore the themes of the book were very relevant to that specific period.

Since 2008, there have been 33 high-ranking celebrity drug-related deaths. Larger-than-life personas like Michael Jackson, Matthew Perry, Juice WRLD, Mac Miller, Tom Petty, Prince, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joan Rivers, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse, all died in the last 16 years. In comparison, from 1939 to 2007, there have been an estimated 54 high-ranking celebrity deaths. That means there have been 61% of the deaths in the last 16 years, as compared to 68 years. So needless to say, the topics have run their course. It is no longer a novel idea.

The takeaway? It's crucial to act with a sense of urgency. While I debated and delayed, precious time slipped away. And, time, as we know, waits for no man (/ woman). Had I taken the plunge in 2008 instead of waiting for the perfect moment, I would have faced significantly less competition in the self-publishing arena

What’s the bittersweet lesson from this journey? Beyond the urgency and the risk of outdated content, the most significant issue I encountered was my reliance on chance. Life doesn’t offer perfect timing; waiting for everything to align is a gamble. There are fleeting opportunities when conditions are just right, and that’s when you must seize the moment.

Imagine if I had completed my book in 2008 as an 18-year-old and pursued self-publishing then. I would have had the advantage of time, allowing me to experiment, revise, or explore new topics, even if my initial effort didn’t succeed

For many creatives, including myself, the challenge often lies not in talent or skill but in the willingness to adapt and act promptly. A common trait among successful individuals is their ability to implement changes at once. Many artistic minds, driven by perfectionism, mistakenly believe their first work must be a masterpiece. However, history has shown, especially in recent years, that consistency is the key to achieving the best results. The Seinfeld method, which emphasizes writing comedy daily regardless of inspiration, exemplifies this principle perfectly

Research indicates that artists who produce a higher volume of work tend to experience faster growth compared to those who strive for perfection. This chain reaction can significantly enhance your overall well-being

Why did I build up expectations, and how could that have been avoided? Well, for starters I gave out copies of my book to my friends and colleagues. Our humor was well-synced, and we shared common ground so it should not have been too surprising that the book resonated with them. While this was not a mistake, the priority should have been to send it to decision-makers. Being a people person, I enjoyed supporting them while they pursued their hobbies. A while after my first draft was completed, I visited my friend, who was helping with the technical set up of a stage production

While there, I by chance bumped into the main actress after the stage production was finished, when I went out for a cigarette. She was also an accomplished travel journalist, somewhat of a renowned public figure, and creative (which I did not know at the time). I told her about my play, and she gave me her email to send her a copy. She said she would consider being one of the female leads if she were interested in it. Once I found out how well-known she was, my thought process was, ‘why even take a chance and waste her time’. Another missed opportunity. If I had a rewind button in life, I would go through the process of hiring freelancers as I did in 2024 but instead in 2010/ 2011. I would have spoken to my friend to set up a meeting with the stage manager and proposed a collaboration. Regardless of the outcome, I would have spoken to the main actress and tried to get on board

From an early age, I embraced my creativity alongside a strong logical mindset. I would watch TV and imitate the voices of characters, adding my comedic twist. I would use thumbtacks to craft faces and action figures, all while jotting down humorous observations during elementary and middle school. My eye for detail fueled my passion for creative writing as I matured. I only wish I had gone all in on everything instead of putting eggs in every possible basket. A strong gust of wind will make one basket or many baskets fall. Playing safe does not get you the win.

So, to conclude… to all the aspiring Gen Alpha creatives out there who resonate with Nike's empowering message: Just Do It. Act. Plan, commit to it, and complete your artwork. Share it with the world. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth. Learn from each experience and refine your approach using the scientific method for your next endeavor.

I wish you all good luck with your creative adventure(s)

Over and out.

Signing off.
G.H.

The Creative Journey: The inspiration for The Comic emerged from a few keen observations of life: the stark contrast between the personas we display to the world and the true selves we reveal in solitude. It delves into the narrative of a misunderstood creative soul navigating the complexities of society, while simultaneously trying to figure out who he really is.

Initially conceived in 2008, I was brainstorming ideas for an internal assessment project in my Theatre Arts class at an international school. As a film enthusiast, I was always captivated by stories that innovatively portrayed character growth.

At its essence, The Comic serves as a canvas to examine the intricate layers of human psychology, peeling back the layers of the character as the story unfolds. I wanted to divide the stage into two sections, linked by a door. The protagonist, a humorous and skilled slapstick artist in public, grapples with deep-seated depression. This juxtaposition of his outward persona and inner turmoil inspired the foundational elements of the narrative.

Although the internal assessment production never materialized, the concept of the book had already taken root in my mind. Fast forward two years to 2010, when my family relocated from Belgium to China, where I completed my final year at an international school. After graduating, I explored various jobs, and I continued to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.